Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Feigning Civility

Liang Wan awkwardly withdrew her gaze and lowered her head. "I just thought that you, My Lord, bear some resemblance to His Majesty."

It was meant to be a casual excuse, but upon careful thought, they did look somewhat alike. After all, a nephew often takes after his uncle, even if Lu Xiu was a rather young uncle.

Lu Xiu frowned, unwilling to continue the topic. He simply asked, "You had Zhou Yun tell me that you risked stealing the secret seals because you were instructed by Liang Cheng?"

Liang Wan’s eyes were firm. "Yes."

"Why?"

"What pain could possibly compare to the illusion of having attained everything, only to realize you possess absolutely nothing? Wealth and power—aren’t those exactly what he desires?"

Lu Xiu looked at her with a chilling gaze.

"My Lord—" A eunuch jogged over to meet them, his face flushed and completely out of breath.

His visit to the palace must be to see the Empress Dowager. It was likely that his marriage to the Cao Family was about to be finalized. Liang Wan bowed and stepped aside to make way.

Now that she had formed a connection with the Empress, entering the palace would become much easier. Even if Lu Xiu washed his hands of her from now on, it wouldn’t matter.

Lu Xiu said no more, simply ordering the attendant behind him to escort Liang Wan out of the palace.

On the paved walkway, Lu Xiu stared at the fading, light green silhouette. She hadn’t lied. She truly wouldn’t go begging Gao Qian, because that look in her eyes was not the look of someone asking for a favor...

"My Lord, the Empress Dowager is already waiting for you," the eunuch gathered his courage and gently reminded him.

Lu Xiu lingered no longer, turning and heading toward Renshou Palace.

A sudden doubt planted itself in his heart like a seed. When he wasn’t looking, did she look at him with those exact same eyes?

At the Gate of Duanmen, Liang Cheng saw from afar that Liang Wan was escorted back by a guard. Just as he craned his neck to get a better look, the guard turned and left. Liang Cheng slowly searched his memory; he found the guard familiar but couldn’t quite recall where they had met.

"Uncle Cheng." Liang Wan stepped forward, interrupting his distant gaze.

In the carriage, Liang Cheng relentlessly bombarded her with questions. Suppressing her impatience, Liang Wan barely managed to deflect them.

Upon learning that Liang Wan had earned the Empress’s favor and would be frequently entering the palace from now on, Liang Cheng felt a fleeting moment of joy before plunging into deep regret. If he had known they could form ties with the Empress, he would have brought Ajiao along no matter what!

He gnashed his teeth in extreme remorse. Catching an accidental glimpse of the indifferent expression on Liang Wan’s face, he realized her previous advice against bringing Ajiao had been entirely intentional! She was afraid of sharing the favor! She was truly full of schemes!

Liang Cheng’s voice grew several degrees colder. "Didn’t you say you would help me ask the Empress for a reward? Could it be that you were deceiving me?"

Liang Wan paused, then smiled radiantly. "How could I? This was my first time meeting the Empress. Speaking out of turn would have only displeased Fengxin. When I am summoned to the palace in the future, I will find an appropriate opportunity to help you achieve your wish, Uncle Cheng."

"Is that so?" Liang Cheng snorted lightly. "Since my brother passed away, your Aunt and I have been the ones taking care of you and your mother. You might be capable enough to dare make a move against Wang Su, but don’t forget—if it weren’t for that stunt, I wouldn’t have been dragged into this mess by you!

As his anger flared, Liang Cheng unconsciously raised his voice. "Awan, one must not bite the hand that feeds them. You should know that a drop of kindness deserves a fountain of gratitude in return. Besides, since you ruined Ajiao like this, you have to find a way to make it up to her, right? You can’t just look out for yourself!"

Seeing him clearly hating her to the bone, yet being forced to lower his attitude in a mix of threat and plea, Liang Wan merely sneered inwardly.

Knowing his tone had been harsh, Liang Cheng softened it. "There were times in the past when I was overly strict with you, but wasn’t that for your own good? No matter whose family you marry into in the future, the Liang Family will still be your maiden home. At a critical moment, you’ll still need your Brother to back you up, won’t you?

"If our Liang Family prospers, and if Ajiao does well, it will only benefit you. You mustn’t be incredibly short-sighted and only care about what’s right in front of your nose!"

Her light, curly eyelashes gently lowered as Liang Wan concealed the disgust in her eyes. She spoke with a faint smile, "What are you talking about, Uncle Cheng? I might as well lay all my cards on the table today. It was precisely because I had these considerations in mind that I spoke to Young Master Zhou like that. Among the noble sons of these prominent families, who won’t end up having a flock of wives and concubines in the future?

"At the end of the day, no one remains in favor forever, just as a flower cannot bloom eternally!

"Only with a strong maiden family backing me can I stand firm in the Marquis Mansion later on. How could I not understand what you’re saying? I’m only afraid that you all have always harbored grievances against me!"

Liang Cheng vehemently denied it. "That’s impossible! Place your hand on your heart and tell me, have I ever mistreated you girls all these years?"

Seeing his anxiousness, Liang Wan smiled. "Of course not. Furthermore, after I am married, my mother will still have to rely on you and Aunt for care!"

Hearing Liang Wan say this, Liang Cheng’s face finally relaxed into a gentle expression. "It is good that you can think this way!"

Seeing his goal achieved, Liang Cheng breathed a sigh of relief, though it wasn’t enough to completely put his mind at ease. He remembered perfectly well how she had schemed against Ajiao. And when he recalled how even a ruthless character like Wang Su had fallen by her hands, he couldn’t help but worry. But for now, he could only take things one step at a time!

Upon returning to the mansion, everyone could clearly sense that the Family Head’s attitude toward the Third Lady had changed significantly.

Although Mrs. Zhang looked down on Wang Tingyue from the bottom of her heart, children eventually outgrew their mother’s control. Since Ajiao had caused such a scandal, there was truly no other solution but marriage. In the end, she accepted it. At worst, she would just have to put in more effort and resources in the future—besides, no matter how inadequate he was, he was still the son of the Sikong!

But now that Wang Su was dead, everything had vanished like a burst bubble. The daughter she had painstakingly raised was now completely ruined in her hands! Meanwhile, Liang Wan had not only used this incident to earn rewards from His Majesty and the Empress, but she had also won the favor of Young Master Zhou. Even her previous notorious reputation had been wiped completely clean!

She absolutely could not swallow this bitter pill!

She had been counting on Liang Cheng to team up with her and severely punish Liang Wan. Who would have thought that he would actually advise her to endure it!

Endure, endure, endure! How many years had she already endured? Was there anyone in the entire mansion who wouldn’t praise Mrs. Zhang’s good temper?

But now, she didn’t want to endure it anymore!

"Mrs. Zhang, the carriage is ready."

When the maid entered, Mrs. Zhang was sitting upright in front of the mirror. Hearing the maid’s words, she leaned forward slightly and sighed to herself as she looked at the fine lines around the corners of her eyes. She prided herself on taking good care of her appearance, but time was unforgiving after all!

Ziyan, who stood by her side, shot a look to the maid at the door. The maid retreated and waited outside.

Ziyan picked a new golden goose hairpin from the jewelry box and replaced the Bixi hairpin Mrs. Zhang was originally wearing. She said sweetly, "You should try this golden one, Mrs. Zhang. It looks much more elegant and dignified than the Bixi one."

"I suppose it is a bit better," Mrs. Zhang tilted her head and peered into the mirror, sounding somewhat uncertain.

Never mind. One way or another, she could never revert back to being a sixteen-year-old girl. Mrs. Zhang simply stood up and flicked her sleeves.

"Let’s go!"

In the bedchamber, a young maid hurriedly ran in, clutching her chest. "My Lady, she... she has already left the courtyard!"

Liang Wan lowered her eyes to look at the white porcelain bottle in her hand. Her fingers loosened, and with a CRASH, the bottle hit the ground and shattered into pieces.

"My Lady?" Qiuxi looked bewildered.

Liang Wan stood up and leisurely smoothed out her sleeves. By the time she lifted her head, she was already wearing a radiant smile.

"Then let’s head out as well!"

"Where are you going, My Lady?" Qiuxi blinked, her face full of confusion.

Liang Wan glanced at the remains of the porcelain bottle on the ground and spoke softly, "The new bride will be entering our gates in just two days. It is truly inappropriate that I, as her aunt, haven’t even prepared a wedding gift!"

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